"The vote in Crimea should be viewed for what it is, a sham," Portman said.

He called for the U.S. and other countries to unify in action against Russia.

"We should acknowledge and get together with Europe and the rest of the world and say Russia should be isolated. They invaded a sovereign country. They should be sanctioned," Portman said.

Portman said he would support whatever action the President pursues.

"When you have an issue like this, it's good for the country to come together and not to be criticizing each other."

When he returns to Washington, Portman said he will support measures giving help to the Ukrainian government working with the International Monetary Fund and the European Union to impose additional sanctions.

Portman was in Cleveland Monday marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade.